A state of mind, a think tank, a transnational citizen movement
WATHI’s vision is peaceful, appeased, dignified, productive and united societies across West Africa, a West Africa open to all the regions of the African continent and to the rest of world. WATHI’s conception of West Africa not only integrates the 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), but also countries linking ECOWAS to North and Central Africa, namely Mauritania, Cameroon, and Chad.
The focus on a particular region does not imply a disinterest in the evolution of the other regions of the continent. WATHI’s approach is in line with a pan-Africanist perspective, but a realistic and pragmatic pan-Africanism focused on the needs of the populations and recognizing the diversity of the countries and regions of the continent.
WATHI is a state of mind blending a mix of confidence, realism, and idealism. It is the state of mind of men and women who do not simply dream of a better West Africa, but patiently and decisively work towards creating it.
WATHI respects national identities and encourages citizens of each country of the region to take responsibility. WATHI also actively promotes regional integration by inciting citizens of each country to be interested in the political, economic, social and cultural dynamics of the other countries of the region.
In the first phase of its life, WATHI focuses on the development of the website, www.wathi.org, which is a permanent participative platform for the production, sharing and dissemination of knowledge and ideas;
then on national meetings to be held in a rotating way in the countries of the region. The national meetings will aim to carrying out an accurate assessment of the state of each country and making realistic reform proposals to profoundly transform the existing political, institutional, economic, social and cultural systems, and their functioning.
WATHI’s philosophy is that of men and women who are committed to West Africa and Africa, who believe in the ability of African people to mobilise their own resources needed for collective thinking and action on issues vital to their future. WATHI’s resource mobilization strategy integrates private and public institutional donors, but it primarily targets citizens across Africa and the rest of the world who share its vision, mission and state of mind.
